Advertisement

Banbury F1 driver in crash

Formula One test driver Maria De Villota has been seriously injured after her racing car collided with a team support truck Photo: AP Photo/Rob Griffith

Marussia test driver Maria De Villota has been taken to hospital after being seriously injured in an accident in Cambridgeshire ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix.

The 32-year-old Spaniard was taking part in her first test for the Formula One team at Duxford Airfield this morning when she crashed into a support truck after completing her opening installation lap.

After treatment by trackside paramedics, De Villota was taken to the local Addenbrooke's Hospital.

"At approximately 09.15hrs BST this morning, the Marussia F1 Team's Test Driver Maria De Villota had an accident in the team's MR-01 race car at Duxford Airfield where she was testing the car for the first time," read a Marussia team statement.

"The accident happened at the end of her first installation run and involved an impact with the team's support truck.

"Maria has been transferred to hospital. Once her medical condition has been assessed a further statement will be issued."

Scene of the accident Credit: ITV Anglia

Cambridgeshire Police earlier confirmed they had been called to the airfield, home of the Duxford Imperial War Museum, at 9.26am.

According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred after De Villota had pulled up in front of her mechanics after completing her first lap of the day. As the mechanics approached to wheel the car back for service, it accelerated forwards and crashed into the stationary vehicle parked nearby.

The front of the Marussia car was destroyed in the crash and De Villota's helmet was seen to impact with the side of the truck. De Villota was reportedly motionless for around 15 minutes as paramedics attended to her but was seen to move her hands before being transported to hospital.

At approximately 09.15am, the Marussia F1 Team's test driver, Maria De Villota, had an accident in the team's MR-01 race car at Duxford Airfield where she was testing the car for the first time.

"The accident happened at the end of her first installation run and involved an impact with the team's support truck. Maria has been transferred to hospital. Once her medical condition has been assessed, a further statement will be issued.